Auto pilot for Albin 28 TE. Is one available?

[Sisu22]

I'm installing my Smart pilot rig and wondering how most people wire their power. Do you run it to the main 12v breaker panel above the quarter berth? Or do you run it off the helm bus? Instructions say 20 amp breaker so it seems like it is a decent load and I don't want to overload the helm bus, maybe I should run it direct to the batteries?

[catalina_mike]

When I did my new helm panel I ran everything off the battery "ON" buss. The pump is powered off my "NAV EQUIP" breaker along with other electronics minus the VHF radio. I listen to it always on hook or mooring.

Custom Switch Panel - Mike Owens Rev3.pdf

[Sisu22]

Very nice. So I'm assuming that breaker has enough juice to run the pump.

[Sisu22]

Mike, did you do your own autopilot install? If so, do you have any pictures?

[catalina_mike]

Mike, did you do your own autopilot install? If so, do you have any pictures?

I did not do the install but cleaned it up a bit. The pump is located to the left of the access panel in the head behind the mirror. My auto pilot does not follow despite tying it into the Furno and programming the correct data outputs. That being said the pump is tied into the hydraulic lines coming from the steering wheel.

[Sisu22]

OK, interesting. I never thought of mounting it there but it makes sense. What do you mean it does not follow?

[catalina_mike]

It gets following data from the gps after the line is drawn in the sand so to speak. Then the autopilot corrects the rudder to keep the vessel following the line. The gps sends position difference from the line and tells the rudder port or starboard correction is needed based on "XTE" data. The gps has to be programmed to send this information on the network to other devices.

[Sisu22]

Got it. I have a Raymarine Smart Pilot and my GPS is a Garmin so I'm sure it won't be 100% compatible either.

[catalina_mike]

Got it. I have a Raymarine Smart Pilot and my GPS is a Garmin so I'm sure it won't be 100% compatible either.

Not necessarily... I used the NMEA 0183 output on the Furuno radar / chart plotter to send the data to the VHF and autopilot. Just because they are different manufactures they should have networks that are in common.

Nema wiring furuno to garmin.jpg

[Sisu22]

OK that is good news... I'll keep the board in the loop.

[RobS]

I haven't read this thread from start to finish but if all of your gear is NMEA 2000 it's super easy to get everything talking to each other, pretty much plug & play. If NMEA 0183 that works too as Mike has pointed out..